Gov. Joe Manchin will participate in a ceremony to unveil two-story-tall banners at the West Virginia University College of Business and Economics Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in the colleges third-floor atrium.

The banners depict some of the institutions most successful alumni, including the Governor himself. Manchin received a degree in business administration (marketing) in 1970.

Two other alumni who will look down from the banners and provide inspiration for todays students are Susanna Wayt, vice president for human resources, Americas, Bayer MaterialScience LLC , and Charlie Brown, Nike senior director of global corporate responsibility compliance. Gov. Manchin, Wayt and Brown will all give remarks on their ideas of success and how their educations have helped them become leaders.

The large banners will hang inside the building from the 4th to the 2nd floor atrium, where students often study and pass going to classes.

These banners will be an inspiration to our students,said R. Stephen Sears, Milan Puskar dean of the college.To see the possibilities in their lives, students and potential students need only to look at some of our alumni who have used their talents and education to overcome lifes obstacles to become successful leaders and contributors to society.

A reception will follow. The event is open to the public.